15.8.14

Kobe「神戸」: Kitano「北野町」

Due to its harbour, Kobe revolved around its harbour since its early days back in 201.

Hyōgo Port was opened to foreign trade by the government of the Bakufu at the same time as Osaka on January 1, 1868, just before the advent of the Boshin War and the Meiji Restoration, that we discussed in our understand Kansai story. The region has since been identified with the West and many foreign residences from the period remain in Kobe's Kitano area [MAP]. It is really charming place, specially for us living in Japan.

It feels like being in the set of A boy called H that reflects WWII history in this area. I cried like a baby, during the one-way flight back to Europe. Because I felt just like those residents, the Gaijin who spoke the language and felt at ease in the Far East but somehow were forced to leave by the situation. Ironies of life, I suppose.

Anyway, Kobe can be done in one day and this is the first step of the route :)